Emergency Electrical Services – What to Do in a Power Outage

Assess the Situation

When your power suddenly goes out, the first step is to determine whether it’s an isolated issue in your home or a widespread power outage affecting the local area. Begin by checking if nearby homes or buildings have also lost power. This can be done by looking out the window or contacting a neighbour.

If only your home is affected, the issue could be due to a blown fuse, a tripped breaker, or a fault with your electrical system. In such cases, a professional electrician in Fulham may be required to diagnose and fix the problem. On the other hand, if the outage is widespread, the issue is likely with the utility company, and you may need to wait for power to be restored.

Stay Calm and Safe

During a power outage, especially at night, your home can quickly become dark and potentially unsafe. Use the following precautions to ensure everyone in the household remains safe:

•  Use Flashlights: Instead of candles, which pose a fire risk, opt for battery-powered flashlights or lanterns to illuminate your surroundings.
• Unplug Appliances: To prevent damage from power surges when electricity is restored, unplug major appliances and electronics such as refrigerators, computers, and televisions.
• Keep the Fridge and Freezer Closed: To prevent food spoilage, avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer unless necessary. A fully stocked fridge can keep food cold for about four hours, while a freezer will maintain its temperature for about 48 hours.

Check the Circuit Breaker

If the power outage seems to be limited to your home, the problem could be as simple as a tripped circuit breaker. Locate your electrical panel, which is often in the basement, garage, or a utility room, and check if any of the switches are in the “off” position.

If a breaker has tripped, reset it by turning it off and then back on. If this restores power, the issue may have been an overload on the circuit. However, if the breaker trips again or if resetting it doesn’t fix the problem, it’s time to call an emergency electrician in Fulham, as this could indicate a more serious electrical fault.

Contact Your Utility Provider

Once you’ve determined that the issue is a widespread power outage and not an internal electrical fault, contact your utility provider to report the outage and inquire about the estimated time for power restoration. Most utility companies have a dedicated line for reporting outages and providing updates.

Know When to Call for Emergency Electrical Services

While minor issues like tripped breakers can often be handled without professional help, there are situations where you should immediately call for emergency electrical services. These include:

• Frequent Power Outages: If your home experiences power outages regularly while your neighbours’ homes remain unaffected, there could be a problem with your electrical system. In this case, contacting an electrician in Fulham is essential to prevent further disruptions and possible damage to your property.
• Flickering or Dimming Lights: Lights that flicker or dim unexpectedly, even when there is no storm or external cause for a power outage, may signal a more serious electrical issue. This could be due to faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or an issue with your main electrical panel. Such problems require immediate attention from an experienced electrician.
• Burning Smells or Sparks: If you notice a burning smell, see sparks, or hear unusual buzzing sounds from outlets or appliances, turn off the power at your circuit breaker immediately and contact an emergency electrician. These are signs of potential electrical fires, which can be extremely dangerous.
• Water Damage and Electrical Issues: If your home has experienced flooding or significant water damage, there’s a risk that the water has come into contact with electrical wiring or outlets. Never attempt to fix electrical problems in such situations on your own. Call a professional for emergency electrical services to assess and repair the damage.
• Prepare for Future Power Outages
• While you can’t always prevent a power outage, being prepared can make the experience more manageable. Here are a few steps to ensure you’re ready for the next outage:
• Have an Emergency Kit: Keep a kit with essentials such as flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, non-perishable food, bottled water, and a battery-powered radio.
• Consider Installing a Generator: For added peace of mind, consider installing a backup generator to keep essential systems running during prolonged outages. An electrician in Fulham, like those at Wired and Wonderful, can help you select and install a generator that fits your home’s needs.
• Regular Electrical Inspections: Scheduling routine electrical inspections with a licensed electrician can help prevent issues that may cause power outages and ensure that your home’s electrical system is in optimal condition.